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JAMES BOWIE 



"JAMES BOWIE" 

A HERO OF THE ALAMO 



BY 

EVELYN BROGAN 

AUTHOR OF 

••The Old Spanish Trail." 



SAN ANTONIO. TEXAS 

Theodore Kunzman"<,^^»l Printer & Publisher 

1922 






COPYRIGHT 1922 BY EVELYN BROGAN 
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 



FEB 14 72 

©C1A656775 



TO 



The Heroes of the Alamo. 



PREFACE. 



James Bowie, a hero of the Alamo, and one of the most noted 
characters not only of Texas but of the United States, was born in 
South Carolina in 1805 of pioneer American parents. While still a 
child they moved to New Orleans and there James Bowie grew to 
manhood. The famous "Bowie Knife" received its name from James 
Bowie. He or his brother (Rezin Bowie) was the inventor of it. 

Love of adventure, so strong in youths of the pioneer age, mani- 
fested itself in James Bowie and he came to Texas, then a Mexican 
state, about 1828. He spent much fruitless time in searching for 
the famous silver mine chronicled in the old Spanish Records, as 
being located near the site of the former San Saba Mission. Failing 
to find the mine, he settled in San Antonio de Bexar, where he mar- 
ried Miss Ursula de Veramendi^ the daughter of Vice Governor Juan 
Martin de Veramendi, of Texas. Their beautiful home, the Vera- 
mendi Palace located on Soledad Street, was the center of Spanish 
hospitality and culture in the early days of San Antonio. The fam- 
ous old Veramendi Palace has since been torn down to make room 
for a modern building much to the regret of tourists and loyal citi- 
zens of old San Antonio. 

James Bowie took a prominent part in the revolt of Texas for 
Independence from Mexico. His famous scouts did splendid work 
all during the Texas Revolution, at last sacrificing their lives in 
the Alamo Tragedy. Besides his many Indian battles, James Bowie 
took part in the Battle of Nacogdoches in 1832; La Concepcion in 
1835; the "grass fight" near San Antonio de Bexar in 1835; and 
was one of the defenders of the historic old Alamo and one of the 
last to be killed during the final assault March 6, 1836. Although 
ill in bed, Bowie used his revolver with such telling effect that 
three of his assailants were killed before death came to him. Upon 
the outbreak of hostilities Vice-Governor de Veramendi returned to 
Mexico and with him for safe-keeping James Bowie sent his wife. 
She died there shortly afterwards of smallpox. 

The first meeting of the noted James Bowie and General Sam 
Houston, afterwards Commander-in-chief of the Texan Republican 
Army; occurred at the little town of Goliad in 1831. From that 
time on they were fast friends. 



The cause of the Texas Revolution was the overthrow of the 
Republic of Mexico and violation of the Constitution of 1824 by the 
ruthless and unscrupulous Santa Anna. He made himself dictator 
of Mexico and all her possessions with sole authority to administer 
the law. Towards anyone who opposed him he showed no mercy. 
He persecuted Texans and Mexicans alike. Then Texas revolted 
against him and united to throw off all allegiance to their mother 
country^ Mexico, and form an independent republic This was finally 
accomplished at the Battle of San Jacinto, April 21, 1836, but many 
fierce battles were fought and great difficulties were overcome be- 
fore Texas was indapendent. 

San Antonio de Bexar, the Mexican stronghold, was captured 
by three hundred Texans commanded by Colonels Milam and John- 
son after four days' hard fighting in December, 1835. General Cos 
and his army were paroled on condition they would return to Mexico 
and forever lay down their arms against Texas. They accepted the 
terms of surrender and marched away towards Mexico^ but meeiing 
Santa Anna, he forced them to violate their parole and join him 
against the Texans. 

A Texas sentinel posted in the tower of the old San Fernando 
Parish Church gave the alarm of the approach of Santa Anna. Cap- 
tain John W. Smith and Dr. Sutherland riding out before dawn to 
ascertain their strength, crossed the Alazan Creek and came within 
one hundred and fifty yards of the outposts of the Mexican Camp 
on Prospect Hill. In their haste to return to town the horse Dr. 
Sutherland was riding, fell injuring his ankle. Unable to fight. Dr. 
Sutherland went to Gonzales to get re-enforcements to defend San 
Antonio de Bexar and did not succeed in returning until after the 
Fall of the Alamo. 

Captain John W. Smith joined Colonels Travis and Bowie and 
with all the available men in San Antonio de Bexar, they withdrew 
to the Alamo upon the approach of Santa Anna and his army. 
Hastily gathering a few provisions, the Texans prepared to resist 
Santa Anna and his superior force until reenforcements arrived from 
General Sam Houston at Gonzales. 

Captain John W. Smith acted as messenger for Colonel Travis, 
escaping twice and bringing in thirty-two recruits from Gonzales 
the first time. He was the last messenger to leave the fated Alamo 
for help and was unable to return until after its Fall. 



What became of Moses Rose after he left the Alamo on that fated 
day, March 3, 1836, is still a mystery. Some claim he reached Gen- 
eral Sam Houston and was the first to bring the news of the Fall 
OL the Alamo But Mrs. Alman Marion Dickinson, the sole survivor 
of the Texans and in the Alamo, says she gave the first news of the 
fall. As Moses Rose never returned to his home in Nacogdoches, it 
is believed he was killed by Mexican soldiers shortly after he made 
his escape. Some historians doubt his existence, but General Sam 
Houston affirms there was a man named Moses Rose among the 
Alamo defenders. 

The "deguello" was the Mexican bugle-call for "death — no quar- 
ters" — as was the blood red flag they planted on the tower of the old 
San Fernando Parish Church. Like many others who had lost their 
faith, Santa Anna was a bitter enemy of the Catholic Church, and 
the flying of his red flag from the tower of the Catholic Church in 
San Antonio de Bexar, gave a true expression of his sentiments. 

Some historians claim the Alamo Tragedy could have been 
averted by the escape of the defenders. But this was an impossi- 
bility, as some twenty of the men were sick or badly wounded. 
Where would they have taken them and how? San Antonio de Bexar 
was an almost deserted town, and the few citizens who remained 
were too fearful of their own lives to harbor the Texan soldiers 
whom Santa Anna was bent on destroying. Then the nearest settle ^ 
ment was Gonzales, between which stretched a wild uninhabited 
prairie infested with roving war parties of savage Comanche In- 
dians, who would have been only too glad to revenge themselves on 
the whites. 

Could they escape and leave the sick and wounded to the horri- 
ble fate the butcher, Santa Anna, would give them? Could they 
surrender themselves and be shot in cold blood? Rather than play 
the coward's part they remained in defense of their fort and fell with 
it Their only hope was to hold out until reenforcements arrived or 
die. This they did, be it said to their honored memory. 

Their sacrifice was not in vain. "Remember the Alamo" was 
the battle cry at San Jacinto on April 21, 183 6, when some eight 
hundred Texans commanded by General Sam Houston defeated and 
routed some two thousand Mexicans under Santa Anna, capturing 
the Mexican general and over seven hundred prisoners with as 

11 



many more killed and wounded. The battle lasted eighteen minutes^ 
and the defeat was final. The loss of the Texans was small, two 
killed and six wounded. 

The flag the Texans fought under and which waved from a pole 
planted on the Alamo Church, was the Mexican colors, but instead 
of "the eagle and the snake" of the Mexicans, they had "1824" on 
the white stripe, which signified the year the Constitution was 
adopted, guaranteeing to the American colonists in Texas full and 
equal rights with other citizens of Mexico; these rights were never 
fulfilled and were completely cancelled by Santa Anna. 

The bodies of the Alamo heroes were dishonored by the Mexi- 
can soldiers, then placed on a pyre and burned by command of 
General Santa Anna Their few remains were gathered together by 
the order of Juan Seguin, a friend of the heroes and a participant in 
the winning of Texas Independence. Juan Seguin had the fragments 
placed in an urn and given Christian burial, placing the urn in a 
sepulcher in the San Fernando Parish Church. This act of charity 
and honor took place in July, 1836. 

San Antonio, Texas, January 10, 1922. 




APRIL 25, 1831. 



The Marriage Qf Colonel James Bowie and Miss Ursula de Veramendi 
in San Fernando Pai'ish Church. 



The bells of San Fernando ring merrily today, 

The Parish Church is ail adorned in bridal array. 

Tall waxen candle light the scene and flowers fair 

Festoon the altars and shed their perfume on the air. 

In festive dress the Church awaits the happy bridal pair: 

Colonel James Bowie and Ursula de Vermendi of Bexar. 

In the Veramendi Palace a happy scene takes place, 

Loving hands adorn the bride, arrange the veil of lace. 

While falls in shimmering loveliness this rare heirloom so old, 

How many brides have worn it, admired its clinging fold. 

The long procession wends its way from the dear childhood home, 

Down the plaza and across, under the shadowy dome. 

The bride and groom escorted by child flower-bearers gay, 

Who scatter vari-colored leaves along the bridal way. 

Singing the bridal song they pass, and neighbors join in 

With wishes for a happy life. And all their kin 

Escort them to the altar steps, where Padre Garza waits. 

In glistening vestments of pure white, to join them as life mates. 

The happy guests in silence kneel on the earthen floor. 

While at the altar steps they stand and vow forevermore 

To love and honor each and let none other come between. 

The marriage vows are taken, and the impression scene 

Is followed by the Nuptial Mass. How sweet the voices blend 

In the majestic music To heaven the prayers ascend 

For these loved ones, from every heart in that vast throng 

That graces may accompany them, all their life long. 

Then homeward to the palace, James Bowie takes his bride. 

Into its dear old portals they enter side by side. 

The wedding guests are waiting, the bridal feast is spread, 

The bride and groom their places take at the table head. 

A notable company it is that April day sits there: 

Vice-Governor De Veramendi, the Prefect of Bexar, 

Don Martinez, the Governor, in uniform, and sword, 

Jose Maria Salinas, the Mayor and lord 

13 



Of Spanish San Antonio, their presence lends 

With Jose Navarro and Juan Seguin. And other friends 

Sit at the bridal board, and as the feast proceeds 

Many stirring tales they tell, or recount Bowie's deed^. 

Then follows a fandago and merrily they dance, 

Whiling away the happy hours with many an amorous glance. 

A levee at the Governor's which all the town attends, 

And the grand palace is aglow, the lights and flowers blend 

With the brightly colored costumes of silks and rare laces, 

Which adorn the fair young guests, or frame their happy faces. 

The few short years pass swiftly for James Bowie and his wife, 

Then in to their wedded happiness comes war's alarm and strife. 

Vice-Governor De Veramendi returns to Mexico, 

And with him Bowie sends his wife, he would have it so. 

She pleads to stay beside him, it is her proper place, 

Love struggles for supremacy and her tear-stained face 

Tempts him to yield and keep her, then broken is love's spell. 

For untold dangers threaten and Bowie loves her well. 



NOVEMBER 3, 1835. 



The General Consultation Meets. 



In a fever of activity the Texas convention meets 

At San FeKpe de Austin and their proclamation sweeps: 

"Unite one and all and with us strive, 

Let us take San Antonio de Bexar and drive 

Out of Texas forever the Mexican hosts, 

Who have sworn to crush us. Their vainful boasts 

Must not be fulfilled, we can keep them at bay, 

And if all will unite we can win the day." 

General Sam Houston assumes command 

Of the little army and a bold campaign plans. 

Whereby the Mexican soldiers in Texas will be 

Put to a confused rout and forced to flee 

Across the Rio Grande into Mexico. 

While thus Houston plans. General Cos strikes a blow 

\t San Antonio de Bexar, marches in, 

14 



Fortifies the town and defies him. 

At the Mission la Concepcion are a thousand men 

Commanded by General Austin Fannin and Bowie win 

A brilliant victory and four hundred rout 

With ninety stalwart Texas scouts. 

General Cos will not surrender and a seige is laid 

By Austin and vain attempts are made, 

To draw the Mexicans out to fight, 

But they very carefully keep out of sight. 

One early dawn a sentinel spies 

Mexicans at work on the land which lies 

Near the river, and hurriedly gives the alarm. 

Busily they cut grass, feeling safe from harm, 

When James Bowie in command of a hundred men 

Are upon them before they can get within 

Their fortifications, and the "grass fight" is won 

By Bowie and his Texans, who send on the run 

The frightened enemy. General Austin resigns 

The command and Burleson is elected. He defines 

His reasons for refusing to storm the place. 

Then Smith, Holmes and Maverick make their escape 

From San Antonio and bring such good news 

To the Texan commander, he can not refuse 

To storm the town or longer delay 

His proposed assault. Early next day 

Before dawn they are to make the attack. 

All are ready to march and eager to sack 

The Mexican stronghold. And then comes word 

The assault is put off. Such remonstrance is heard 

From the disappointed men, that Burleson fears 

His command is endangered. His terrified ears 

Hear threats of vengeance for his coward's act. 

Whole companies refuse to parade and a pact 

Is made to disobey his orders which say: 

"Abandon camp. At seven be on the way 

To La Bahia." Terrible tumult results 

And confusion reigns among men whose insults 

Are flung at each other without thought of fear. 

In the midst of the turmoil a voice calls, "Hear!" 

The turbulent, bitter men rejoice 

That a leader has risen. They hear the voice 

16 



Of Colonel Milam who at once begins 

To speak and their final attention wins. 

"Men! Vuavis, a deserter, brings good news. 

Our attack is unknown, the soldiers refuse 

To obey General Cos. Discontent abounds." 

Great excitement prevails and a cheer resounds, 

Awakening the echoes. Colonel Milam calls 

In a thundering voice and silence falls. 

"Who will go with old Ben Milam into San Antonio?' 

With cheers they shout, 'I and I and I will go." 

Three hundred and one in all volunteer 

To follow Ben Milam into town without fear. 



DECEMBER 5, 1835. 



The first streaks of dawn are breaking through 

The night's black fastness when a few 

Brave men march away in the lifting dusk. 

While Burleson agrees to await the result 

Of their mad adventure before he leaves 

For La Bahia, though failure he sees. 

Along Acequia Street, Milam marches fast, 

Johnson comes along Soledad Street and past 

The Garza House to the Veraniendi Palace 

Which he is to occupy. The columns race 

Through the quiet streets before Cos finds out 

They have entered the town or what they're about. 

Into Main Plaza where the streets debouch 

Cos has thrown up breastworks, and cannon crouch 

Behind raking batteries which sweep the streets. 

Milam reaches the Garza House and meets 

With no obstruction against his plan. 

A sentinel spies Johnson. "Deaf" Smith shoots the man 

Before he can fire and give the alarm. 

They reach the Veramendi House without harm. 

16 



The crack of Smith's rifle awakens the strife, 

The plaza batteries open and human life 

Is naught before the avalanche that falls 

From rifle and cannon, a shower of balls. 

Whistling and shrill the battle hymn rings 

The storming of San Antonio de Bexar begins 

Four days, three hundred Texans fight to win 

Victory over ten times their number of men. 

By inches they advance through the thick adobe walls, 

Pecking loopholes with crowbars or breaking small halls. 

Eagerly they gain one room at a time, 

Pick off the enemy or plant a mine. 

On the night of the fifth, with great trouble and risk 

The two columns connect, though the fighting is brisk. 

Beyond the Garza House they advance on the sixth, 

On the seventh brave Karnes steps forth to fix, 

With a crowbar an entrance into a house midway 

Between the Garza House and the Plaza. They stay 

Here a short time and then gain a hold 

On the Navarro place, the stroke is bold. 

Brave Milam is shot dead as he enters the yard 

Of the Veramendi place. The loss is hard 

For these few brave veterans to bear. 

But no time for any grieving is there. 

On the eighth the Zambrano row is taken, 

The enemy driven room from room and shaken 

Is their confidence in Cos and their strong position, 

So with fifty men they attempt a diversion. 

But Burleson is ready and drives them back 

With a six-pounder. Again they lack 

Resourcefulness against their determined attackers. 

All their waverings are for the Texans good factors, 

In helping them win against overwhelming numbers. 

Little time do they spare for food or slumbers. 

At night re-enforcements reach the Zambrano row. 

And amid heavy fighting to the Priests' House they go. 

This last is a great gain and victory is sure, 

For in the Priests' House they are secure 

From attack, and of the plaza have command. 

By four days' hard fighting this little band 

Has won a great victory. Next appears 



17 



With a flag of truce, a messenger who nears 

The victorious Texans and send a request, 

Which of all their triumphs suits them the best. 

The haughty General Cos asks to surrender. 

And well do the gleeful Texans remember 

His insulting answer to a similar request. 

They made a few weeks ago. Quite a jest 

His very humble plea now becomes. 

On the tenth General Burleson agrees and sums 

Up the Articles of Capitulation, 

San Antonio de Bexar is free from Mexico's domination. 

A wreck of shattered buildings and blockaded streets, 

Plundered stores and homes lie breached. 

With gaping windows and crumbling walls. 

Filled with debris and rifle balls. 

bhort is the peace for San Antonio, 

To Matamoros the soldiers go, 

Leaving but eighty men to stand 

Guard over the town against the roving bands 

Of fierce Comanches. Rumors are afloat 

Of Santa Anna's approach with an army that gloat 

Over the final defeat of the Texans, and how 

They will annihilate them. Now 

To Laredo, Juan Seguin sends his cousin to learn 

If the enemy is coming, and to discern 

The attitude of the people at large. In haste 

He returns. There is no time to waste. 

In making preparations for San Antonio's defense, 

Before Santa Anna arnves and hostilities commence. 

Colonel Travis, with thirty men, comes and takes 

Command of the small army. This makes 

A stronger force, but still he needs 

More men, and to the council pleads 

For re-enforcements. Then James Bowie comes 

With thirty scouts to enlist. This sums 

Up a larger force, but still pitifully small 

To defend the town against Santa Anna, and all 

The Mexican hordes that are pouring down 

Upon the shattered little town. 



18 



FEBRUARY 23, 1836. 



"The Siege of the Alamo." 



Four thousand well appointed men appear, 

Commanded by Santa Anna. The Texans fear 

Annihilation, and so escape the town 

To the Alamo where a siege closes down. 

Now begins that grim tragedy which ends in death 

For all those brave hearts that are bereft 

Of help or succor from friends who know 

Their dire needs, but fear to show 

Themselves in sight, lest perhaps they too 

Will be killed without mercy, they are so few. 

David Crockett with twelve men comes and joins in 

Their desperate lot. They welcome him 

With cheers. The determined enemy works 

Building breastworks and batteries behind which lurks 

The murderous cannon which rake the gates, 

A white flagged messenger comes; the firing abates. 

Santa Anna demands unconditional surrender, 

Travis replies with a cannon shot. This engenders 

The attack, and over San Antonio floats 

The blood-red flag of the Mexican hosts. 

Captain John W. Smith slips from the Alamo. 

In the dusk of early morning to go 

For help from their countrymen. The plea 

Travis sends is an urgent one. "We 

Beg you to come and assist us here 

For we are surrounded by men who fear 

Neither God nor man, and help we must have 

If victory be ours. You may salve 

Your conscience and refuse to hear 

Our urgent call, but never fear 

Though we be neglected, I will sustain 

Myself, or die like a soldier who has lain 

Down his life for his country and own honor. 

Victory or Death!" Outside the clamor 

19 



Of the active enemy reaches within 

To the straining ears of the listening men. 

They man the walls and repulse with strength 

The heavy assaults against the length 

Of the long defenses. A strange little battle, 

Now fast now furious the bullets rattle, 

Whipping up the dust in spots all around, 

And filling the air with a various sound. 

Within the dark church a woman weeps, 

While clasped in her arms a baby sleeps. 

She has just been held in a last embrace 

By her husband, brave Dickinson, who now must face 

The oncoming enemy and leave those two 

With a last farewell, an eternal adieu. 

Aloft on the church floats the Texans' flag, 

P.erced with bullets but unconquered its sags 

Limply against the rough hewn pole. 

While beneath it each enacts his role 

In which Death is an unseen player. 

An ominous silence falls over all. A layer 

Of dust and smoke begrims the forms 

Of the crouching men as the enemy storms 

The weakened defences, and seeks to break 

Through the thick stone walls. Repulsed they make 

An assault by fire. Flaming arrows speed 

Into the fort, on the wrecked timbers feed. 

A glow of light spreads through the sombre dark. 

But quickly the Texans extinguish each spark. 

A wild shout surprises the Mexican hosts. 

Who in their encircling have made proud boasts, 

"No help shall enter the doomed fort or leave 

With messages for soldiers." They believe 

Their blockade is perfect when into view 

Dash Captain John Smith and thirty two. 

Brave heroes from Gonzales, v/ho have dared 

To come through the enemy ranks, nor cared 

For the fulisade of bullets that showered around. 

They reach the closed gates where their friends are found, 

And into the for t are conveyed, while a brush 

Is had with the cavalry that comes with a rush. 

Then riderless gallop the terrified horses, 

Trampling or dragging the Mexican corpses. 



MARCH 3, 1836. 



'^The Failure of Rewenforcements to Ari'ive. Colonel Travis' Fare- 
well to His Men." 



Two hours before sunset their assailants withdraw, 

And above the dead and the wounded caw 

The inquisitive daws, and the vultures wheel. 

Frantic with torments the wounded reel 

Away from the sickening scene, or fall 

In dying agony, a huddled ball. 

A disc-like crimson sun hangs low. 

And the distant murmur of the river's flow 

Comes faintly to the dying ears of those, 

Who lie on the Plaza in a last repose. 

In the Alamo Church, Colonel Travis stood 

In front of his able men who could 

Still fight, and solemnly addressed: 

"My brave companions, we are pressed 

By our many enemies; our fate is sealed. 

Within a few days we all must yield 

Our souls to God. But not in vain 

Do we die, or are we for our country slain. 

My calls for help have been ignored; 

My messengers are lost or of their own accord 

Have deserted me in my hour of need. 

But to you, my brave comrades, now I plead. 

Stay with me, or if you too must go, 

Still will I stay until life's last flow 

Shall have left my body, drop by drop. 

Should any wish to go, I shall not stop." 

With dimming eyes of grief they saw 

Their brave commander stop and draw, 

With his sword on the earthen floor, a line: 

"Those who v/ill stand by me and mine 

Let them remain. Those who don't know, 

Let them cross that line and they shall go!" 

So intense was the silence that scarce a breath 

Was heard. One man seemed bereft 

21 



Of his reason. With hesitating step 

He crossed the fatal line and kept 

His back to the astonished men who stood 

Like statues that are carved from wood. 

"Moses Rose, do you fear to die?" 

Was the curt query of Travis. "I 

Do; I am not prepared to go 

Into Eternity, and so 

I will try to escape and bring the news 

Of your direful position to those who refuse 

To aid you in your extremity. 

I speak the Mexican fluently, 

Perhaps I can pass through their ranks and go 

Unnoticed, and thus escape the foe." 

"Perhaps you can, you may go and try," 

With a handclasp brave Travis makes reply. 

Rose climbs the wall in the deepening dusk, 

And jumps from sight in the thick white dust. 

Inside the Alamo all is action now, 

To keep their vigil with Death all vow 

An astounding roar the echoes awake. 

From the cottonwoods the cooing doves make 

Strange music to the accompaniment of belching guns. 

In the gathering darkness a tongue of flame runs 

Through the velvet sky and quenches the light 

Of the evening star that heralds the night. 



IMARCH 6, 1836. 



'The Fall of The Alamo." 



A stillness prevails like that of death, 

San Antonio is without a breath 

Of life. The crucial hour has come. 

Though hands are busy, their hearts are dumb, 

Not with fear, but life is sweet to all 

And when the last hour comes to fall 

Into Death's embrace, even the brave may feel 

21 



A twinge of regret at the fatal seal. 

One by one the minutes creep slowly by, 

Calmly and surely the Texans reply. 

To the avalanche of shot and shell, 

That fires the gray dawn like a living hell. 

In the weird light the tragic scene 

Shows dancing figures of hideous mien 

On that memorable Sunday is heard the blast 

Of the terrible "deguello," all hope is past 

The Mexican infantry advance in hordes, 

And scaling ladders a way affords 

Over the defences of high stone walls. 

And into the courtyard a multitude falls. 

There a savage continuous fire they meet. 

And make a hurried disorderly retreat. 

But the Mexican cavalry drive them back 

To the fearful work. The painful rack 

Of bullet torn bodies that dying fall 

Outside that impregnable wall. 

Twice they have come and been repulsed, 

Now they are mad with battle lust. 

A last asault in semi-circular form, 

From the northeast to the southwest they storm 

The weakening defences, driving back 

The brave defenders, who withdraw through lack 

Of re-enforcements to hold the spaces. 

And into the church for safety races 

The few defenders for a last stand 

Against that overwhelming vicious band. 

Clubbing their guns the Texans keep 

At bay for an instant, those who leap 

Into the church through the broken door. 

By the western wall dead on the floor 

Lies noble Travis, his nerveless hand 

Still clasps his gun. The fort is manned 

By the exultant victorious enemy. 

Crockett in death by the baptistry. 

To the last is faithful to his friend, 

The helpless Bowie, whose finai end 

Is met with a stoicism, as 

Befits a courageous hero, who has 

23 



But one life to offer for his country, 

And gives it nobly and generously. 

Brave Walker is the last to die. 

As to the powder he tries to fly 

With a flaming torch to set it on fire, 

Though he perish himself in the ruins dire. 

But he is overtaken in the baptistry, 

And bullets and bayonets set him free. 

All are now dead and in huddled heaps 

They lie on the blood-soaked ground, which seeps 

With crimson springs, and the tragic day 

Is ended. Drifting away 

Is a thin film of smoke on the hazy air. 

That but lately glowed with the battle flare. 

Destiny played toss with Death and bore 

The Banner of Defeat. Life's battle is o'er. 



JANUARY 1, 1922. 



'To The Alamo.' 



Old Battered time-worn silent walls what scenes You've looked upon. 

From the present bustling hurry to the City's early dawn. 

You saw the Franciscan Padres in holy patience teach 

The wild and savage Indians. You have heard them preach 

Of Manitou, the Christians' God, Who loves His children well. 

Who on a Cross was crucified to save them all from hell. 

In solemn lonely grandeur You rose upon the plain, 

While peacefully about You lay many a verdant lane. 

Vineyards stretched to river's flow and pomegranates grew 

In the cheery Mission Gardens with figs and pecans, too. 

And broad lawns sloped to river bank, green sward with drops 

of dew, 
Quiet nooks for meditation and for lovers too. 
The fragrance of crape-myrtfes and magnolias fill the air, 
A wealth of color radiates from flower harmonies there. 
The yucca like a candelabra is hung with "Lamps of God," 
The Spanish Dagger lifts its spikes above the emerald sod. 
Gay poppies and verbenas a note of color lends, 
A cloud of brilliant butterflies like sweet-pea blossoms sends 



A rainbow flash of beauty into the golden glow, 

And down among the cypresses on the river bank below 

A horseman spurs his charger along the white roadway 

The mocking birds are carolling to all their gladsome lay. 

You saw the Indian converts who happy in their home, 

No longer chaffed against restraint, or ever cared to roam 

Again into the wilderness amongst their savage kin 

You saw the bloody struggle of the white and the redmen 

The shrill warhoop resounding, the exultant shouts of those 

Who grappled with their bitter foes or sent well-aimed death-blows 

You saw the martial Spaniard in helmet and coat-of-mail 

Before whose gun and steady hand the Indian arrows fail. 

You saw the fierce Comanches in war-paint come to town, 

Led by Isimanica or some chief of equal renown. 

And in and out Your doorway through the long years have passed 

The many, many thousands of heroes, first and last. 

A brilliant pageant passes by and Memory recalls, 

The varied sounds of Peace or Strife that echoed round Your walls 

Unseen musicians fill the night with magic melody, 

The haunting strains of Spanish airs in plaintive minor key 

The background of the dark night sky is hung with glittering stars 

A silver radiance touches all and glorifies Your Scars. ' 




THE ALAMO 



IN MEMORIUM.*' 



Like precious gems your names are set 

In History's storied pages. Yet 

Down the dim-lit pathway of the years 

Brighter the lustre grows, endears 

To you, great heroes of humanity, undying fame. 

And deathless distinction is your claim. 

Life's budded promise is fulfilled, 

You did the work that God had willed. 

The Watchman of Time's Dial turned the key. 

Opened yoar prison-house of mortality. 



The Names of The Alamo Heroes Who Perished in The Fall of 

The Alamo. 



The monument, of The Alamo at Austin, the capital of Texas, 
has the name of Travis on the south front, Bowie on the east front, 
Crockett on the north front, and Bonham on the west front. Be- 
neath these are inscribed on the north and south fronts by Mr. 
Nagle, the following names: 



M. Autrey 

R. Allen 

M. Andrews 

Ayers 

Anderson 

W. Blazeby 

J. B. Bournan 

Baker 

S. C. Blair 

Blair 

Brown 

Bowin 

Balentine 

J. J. Baugh 

Burnell 

J. Butler 

J. Baker 

Burns 

Bailey 

J. Beard 

Baliess 

Bourne 

R. Cunningham 

J. Clark 

J. Cane 

Cloud 

S. Crawford 

Cary 

W. Cummings 

R, Crossman 

Cockran 

G. Cottle 

S. Dust 

J. Dillard 

iv Dickinson 

G. Despalier 

E. Ijavell 

J. C. Day 

J. Dickens 

Devault 



W. Deadruff 

J. Erving 

T. R. Evans 

D. Floyd 

J. Flanders 

W. Fishpaugh 

Forsythe 

G. Fuga 

J. C. Goodrich 

J, George 

J. C. Garrett 

C. Grimes 

Groyn 

J. E. Garwin 

Gilmore 

Hutchason 

S. Holloway 

Harrison 

H.ieskell 

J. Hayes 

Horrell 

Harris 

Hankins 

J. Holland 

W. Hersie 

Ingram 

John 

J. Jones 

L. Johnson 

C. B. Jamison 
W. Johnson 
T. Jackson 

D. Jackson 
Jackson 

G. Kemble 
A. Kent 
W. King 
Kenney 
Lewis 
W. Linn 



Lanio 

W. Lightfoot 

Wm. Lightfoot 

G. W. Lynn 

Lewis 

J. Lonly 

W. Mills 

Micheson 

E. T. Mitchell 

E. Melton 

McGregor 

T. Miller 

J. McCoy 

E. Morton 

R. Musselman 

Millsop 

R. B. Moore 

W. Marshall 

Moore 

R. McKenney 

McCaferty 

J. McGee 

G. W. Main 

G. Nelson 

J. Noland 

Nelson 

Wm. G. Nelson 

C. Ostiner 

Pelone 

C. Parker 

N. Pollard 

G. Paggan 

McQuerry 

S. Robinson 

Reddenson 

N. Rough 

Rusk 

Robbins 

W. Smith 

Sears 



C. Smith 
Stockton 
Stewart 
A. Smith 

J. C. Smith 

Sewall 

A. Smith 

Simpson 

R. Star 

Starn 

N. Sutherland 

W. Summers 

J. Summerline 

Thompson 

E.Taylor 

G. Taylor 

J. J. Taylor 

W. Taylor 

Bros. 
Thornton 
Thomas 
J. M. Thurston 
Valentine 
Williamson 
J. L. Wilson 
Warner 

D. Wilson 
Walsh 
Washington 
W. Wells 

C. Wright 
R. White 

J. Washington 
T. Waters 
Warnell 
J. White 

D. Wilson 
J. Wilson 
A. Wolf 



27 



Distinjniished Visitors of The Alamo. 



Among the many distinguished people who have been in the 
historic Alamo are personages whose lives and doings are a part of 
a larger history than merely that of San Antonio. They have come 
and gone, saintly brown-robed Franciscan priests, the blue and the 
gray-clad soldiers, noted church and civil visitors. 

Theirs has been a record of duty performed, be it teaching and 
civilizing the savage redskin or forcing him to obedience and observ- 
ance of the white man's law; charging at Gettysburg, or patrolling 
our frontier; or holding faithful vigil on the bloody fields of France. 

In the mesquite wilderness with none save God to note, these 
heroes of all time bore themselves with great courage and faithful- 
ness to duty well performed. It has been said that the truly great 
are those who will do in solitude the most daring deed they might 
conceive before men. Surely this is so, and the historic personages 
who have occupied the famous Alamo, have made the glorious State 
of Texas what it is. They have guarded our frontier and aided by 
gallant population settled aimiably and forever the Indian and Mexi- 
can question in Texas. In the past San Antonio has seen much of 
the captured tribes — villains of the most villainous type. The last 
to be brought in being the notorious Geronimo and his band, cap- 
tured by General Lawton in the Arizona mountains after a long 
chase. 

The saintly Father Antonio Margil de Jesus, O. F. M., Founder 

of The Alamo, 1716. 
Father Pedro Ramirez, O. F. M., Builder of The Alamo, 1720. 
Don Manuel Munoz, Governor of Texas, 1794. 
Right Reverend Marin de Parras, Bishop of Linares, 1805. 
The Alamo Heroes, 1836. 
General Albert Sydney Johnston, 1857. 
General Robert E. Lee, 1860. 
-General Stanley, U. S. A., 1884. 
James Cardinal Gibbons, 1887. 
Francis Cardinal Satelli, 1896. 
Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, 1898. 
President William H. Taft, 1909. 
General Frederick Funston, U. S. A., 1915. 
General John J. Pershing, J. S. A., 1917. 
General James G. Harboard, U. S. A., 1920. 
General Joseph Dickman, U. S. A., 1921. 
General John H. Hines, U. S. A., 1921. 
Marshal Ferdinand Foch, Leader of the Allied Armies in The 

World War, 1921. 
And many others. ., 



'THE ORIGIN OF THE ALAMO' 



In the first Book of the Records kept in the San Fernando 
Cathedral is the following note concerning The Alamo: 

"This Mission of San Antonio was established in 1703, on the 
banks of the Rio Grande under the title of Mission of San Francisco 
Solano. In 1712, it was transferred to the neighborhood of San 
Yldefonse. Thence it was moved to San Jose on the Rio Grande, 
in 1713, and finally transported to the San Antonio River in 1718." 

The Act of transferring The Alamo Mission to San Antonio Is 
also recorded in this Book of the Records, and is as follows: 

"In the present year and on the 10th of the month of May, 
1718, this Mission of San Jose (on the Rio Grande) on account of 
the scarcity of water, was transferred to San Antonio de Valero by 
order of His Excellency, the Marquis de Valero, Viceroy of New 
Spain. This Mission being under the direction of Fray Antonio de 
San Buenaventura y Olivares, and of the officer, Dr. Martin de 
Alarcon, president of these Provinces of the Kingdom of the New 
Philippines, and of the dependencies thereof. In faith whereof, 
,1 sign as Minister of these Missions the day of the month and the 
year as above. Fray Francisco Ruiz." 

In the year 1716, the saintly Father Fray Antonio Margil de 
Jesus was appointed Superior or President of the Texas Missions 
and visited Texas in that year, founding six Missions in the most 
northerly part of the Province (Texas). One of these Missions 
founded by Father Fray Antonio Margil de Jesus was the Mission 
of San Antonio de Valero, now called The Axamo. The founding of 
a mission meant the locating of it with the intention of building at 
a later date. Hence "The Alamo Mission" was founded in 1716, by 
Father Antonio Margil, on the San Antonio River, opposite Bejar, 
the Capital of the Province of Texas. Its removal from the Rio 
Grande River took place in 1718. Its actual building began about 
the year 11 ZO and many years were required to build the extensive 
and beautiful Mission of San Antonio de Valero. The zealous efforts 
of Father Ramirez, President of the Texas Missions with head- 
quarters at San Jose Mission, caused the actual work on The Alamo 
Mission to commence and its cornerstone was laid in 1744. 

In another Book of Records in San Fernando Cathedral is 
found this note regarding The Alamo: 

"On the eighth day of May in the year 1744, the corner stone 
for the new church of the Mission of San Antonio de Valero was 
blessed, the following clergymen being present: Diego Martin Gar- 
cia, Mariano Francisco de los Dolores y Friar Juan de los Angeles, 
and on the twenty-ninth of the month of September, in the year 
1745, the new church was dedicated, the same clergymen as before 



mentioned being present. To the above statement we do hereby 
sign our names on the; twenty-ninth day of September in the year 
1745. Diego Martin Garcia, Mariano Francisco de los Dolores y 
Friar Juan de los Angeles." 

The Alamo received its name from the numerous cottonwood 
trees which grew along the acequias or irrigating ditches near the 
Mission. Alamo is the Spanish word for cottonwood. 

The greater portion of the modern Alamo Plaza was once en- 
closed within the walls of the Mission of San Antonio de Valero, its 
gardens covering about fifteen acres. The Alamo Church is all that 
remains of this once extensive Mission "del Alamo," or Mission de 
San Antonio de Valero which was bu It to convert to the Catholic 
faith the Sanes, Payaes and other Indian tribes living in the vicinity. 

From the time of its founding in 1703, on the Rio Grande until 
its close in 179 4, The Mission of San Antonio do Valero (The Alamo) 
made many conversions of the Indians brought in contact with its 
various zealous missionaries, and accomplished great good for these 
wild children of God. During these years, 1703 to 1794, The Alamo 
M ssion was under the jurisdiction of the Franciscan priests from 
Queretaro and Zacatecas, Mexico. 

On the tenth of April, 17 9 4, Don Pedro de Nava, Commandant- 
general of the Northwestern internal provinces, of which Texas 
formed a part, published a decree by which all the Missions within 
his jurisdiction should be secularized That is to say, the Franciscan 
priests who until now had been in charge of these many Missions m 
the Province of Texas, including The Ala:^io, should give up their 
claim of possession and sign over all records, property and so forth, 
to secular pr.ests who should bs appointed by the Spanish authori- 
ties, to have charge of the religious welfare of those living at or 
attending the Churches located in the various Missions. As the 
money to build the Missions was furnished by the Spanish Crown, 
they were the property of the Spanish Government, and the Francis- 
can priests who had charge of them, were appointed by the Spanish 
Government and had no legal claim upon the Missions. They could 
be discharged at the will of the Spanish authorities. This is what 
is meant by "secularizing of the Missions." 

On the last page of the Book of Baptisms of the Indians and 
others, extending down to 1783, we find the following notes: 

"On the 22nd day of August, 1793, I transferred this book of 
the Records of the Pueblo of San Antonio de Valero to the Archives 
of the town of San Fernando and Presidio of San Antonio de Bexar, 
by order of the Right Reverend Doctor Don Andres de Llanos y Valdez 
the most worthy Bishop of this Diocese, dated January 2d, of the 
same year by reason of the said pueblo having been aggregated to 
the curacy of Bexar; and, that it may be known I sign it. Fray Jose 
Francisco Lopez, Parish Priest." 

30 



The following note in the Records show the receipt of the Book 
of Records of the San Antonio de Valero Mission (Pueblo): 

"San Antonio de Bexar, June 14, 1794. 

"On the day of this date I received from the Reverend Father 
Jose Lopez, who was Minister of the Mission of San Antonio ds 
Valero, until it was delivered into the hands of the ordinary, (a 
church official appointed by the Bishop) this book, in which are set 
down the records of baptisms pertaining to said Mission, and per- 
formed up to the year 1783 — noting that the records which may be 
searched for from the year 1788 may be found in a new book bound 
in parchment: from leaf 2 to 100, together with these that belong 
to the following year, and whicu may be entered hereafter. I make 
this note that it may serve as an index and I sign it with the 
same Reverend Father — date as above. Bachiller Gavino Valdez." 

"I delivered this book, on the day of date, to the Parish-Priest, 
Don Gavino Valdez; and, that it may be known, I sign. Fray Jase 
Francisco Lopez (Parish Priest)." 

After the decree of Don Pedro de Nava, published on the 10th 
of April, 1794, went into effect, many of the Franciscan priests re- 
mained in charge of their churches until replaced by secular priests. 
The secularization of the Franciscan Indian Missions in Texas was 
completed in 1825 and the churches were stripped of their valuables, 
the Indians scattered and all available and useful articles carried off. 
Thus ends the wonderful work of the Franciscan priests in Texas, 
and there remains to their everlasting memory these wonderful 
stone structures in the vicinity of San Antonio, of which the most 
famous is "The Alamo." 



COPY OF 
Letter of Colonel William Barret Travis, Lt. Col, 



Coramandancy of the Alamo, 

Bejar, Feb'y 24th, 1836. 

To the People of Texas and all Americans in the world: 

Fellow Citizens and Compatriots: I am besieged by a thousand 
or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna. I have sustained a 
continual bombardment and cannonade for 24 hours and have not 
lost a man. The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, 
otherwise the garrison is to be put to the sword if the fort is 
taken. I have answered the demand with a cannon shot and our 
flag still waves proudly from the walls. I shall never surrender or 
retreat. Then I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism, 



and everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid 
with all dispatch. The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily 
and will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or 
five days. If this call be neglected, I am determined to sustain my- 
self as long as possible and die like a soldier who never forgets 
what is due to his own honor and that of his country. VICTORY 
OR DEATH. 

WILLIAM BARRET TRAVIS, Lt. Col. Comdt. 

P S. — The Lord is on our side. When the enemy appeared in 
sight we had not three bushels of corn. We have since found in 
deserted houses 80 or 90 bushels and got into the walls of 20 or 30 
head of beeves. TRAVIS. 



COPY OF 

The Iietter of Juan Seguin Coiicerning thei Disposal of the Ashes of 
The Alamo Heroes. 



Laredo de Tamaulipas, March 28, 1889. 

Mr. Hamilton P. Bee, 
San Antonio. 

My Lord and Friend: — 

I am answering your pleasing letter of the 9th instant which 
I did not do before on account of my health. 

The rest of those who died in the Alamo were ordered to be 
burned by the order of General Santa Anna, and the little fragments 
(bones and ashes) I ordered them to be deposited in an urn; I 
ordered a sepulcher in the Cathedral of San Antonio to be opened, 
immediately in front of the Sanctuary it is, in front of the two 
gates that open in the Communion railing, but very near the steps. 

And this is all I know about the matter. 

I remain your friend and servant, 

JUAN N. SEGUIN, 

(Rubric). 



Annexed to this letter is the following note: 

"Below find the original letter from Colonel Seguin — to the 
effect that he buried the remains of "The Alamo Dead" in the Cathe- 
dral on Main Plaza of San Antonio, in July, 1836. San Antonio, 
^yctober 9, 1893. H. P. Bee, Secretary." 

32 



I hereby certify that the above is a true and accurate copy of 
the original manuscript which original is among the Nacogdoches 
Papers, Miscellaneous, 1844-1889, on file in the Texas State Library. 

Given under my hand and seal this twelfth day of December, 
nineteen hundred and twenty-one, in the City of Austin, County of 
Travis, State of Texas. 

ELIZABETH H. WEST, 

State Librarian. 
Notary Seal of Elizabeth H. West, State Librarian. 



An Explanation of the Juan Seguin Letter, 



As the interment of the urn containing the fragments of "The 
Alamo Dead" was made in July, 1836 — four months after the death 
and destruction of the bodies by order of Santa Anna — the place of 
burial is not in the present Cathedral of San Antonio on Main 
Plaza, but in the rear part of the present Cathedral, in what was 
known in 1836 as the Parish Church of San Fernando. The 
Sanctuary of the present Cathedral occupies the site of the former 
Parish Church of San Fernando, and the sepulcher in which Juan 
Seguin interred the urn containing the fragments of "The Alamo 
Dead" is either under the present High Altar or immediately be- 
hind it. Two marble slabs with inscriptions on them show the 
presence of sepulchers in this place, and it is to be inferred from the 
letter of Juan Seguin that one of these sepulchers holds the precious 
urn containing the last mortal remains of Colonel James Bowie, of 
whom this book is written, and the other neroes of that tremendous 
struggle against overwhelming odds that ended in such a glorious 
defeat. 



Baptismal Record of James Bowie. Translated From the Original 

Spanish in the Book of Baptisms of San Fernando Parish 

Church, San Antonio, Texas. 



Adult. James Box. In the City of Fan Fernando de Bexar on 
the 26th day of June, 18 28, I, the priest, Refugio de la Garza, 
proper pastor of this City, having proceeded with the necessary in- 
struction in catechism proscribed by the Roman Ritual, solemnly 
baptised and put the holy oils and chrism to James Box, twenty- 
three years old, born in South Carolina, legal son of James Box and 
Jane Box. The sponsors were Mr, Juan Martin de Veramendi and 
Mrs. Josepha Navarro (de Veramenai). In witness v»^hereof I 
sign. REFUGIO DE LA GARZA. 



Note: — The various spelling of James Bowie's name must be ac- 
counted for by it having no corresponding equivalent in Spanish. In 
the Baptismal Record it appears as "Box" and his father's name as 
"James Box"; his mother's name as "Jane Box." In the Marriage 
Record the name is spelled "Buy"; his fatner's name is given as 
"Ramon" and his mother's name as "Alvina." In the Pre-nuptial 
Contract the name is spelled "Bowie" and his father's name is given 
as "Rezin"; and his mother's name as "Elvy." Presumably his 
father's full name was "James Rezin Bowi^" and his mother's name 
was "Alvina Jane Bowie." As to the age of James Bowie, the 
records also differ. In the Baptismal Record his age is given as 
23 in 18 28, while in the Pre nuptial Contract dated three years 
later, (1831) his age is given as 3 2 years. This discrepancy in 
recording his age might be due to the person writing the record. 
Historians are in favor of the first age, James Bowie being known 
to have been a young man. 



COPY OF 

The Marriage Record of Colonel James Bowie and Mis^ Ursula de 

Verainendi, Translated From the Original Spanish in the Book 

of Records of the Marrirgcs of San Fernando Parish 

Church, San Antonio, Texas. 



In the City of San Fernando de Bexar on the 25th of April, 
1831, I, the priest. Rev. Refugio de la Garza, the proper pastor of 
the City, after having complied with all requirements and ad- 
monished on three successive feast days, "Inter Missarum Solemnis" 
(during High Mass) which were the 11-17-24 of said month, and 
not having found any canonical impediments even after more than 
twentyi-four hours had elapsed from the last banns, I married and 
veiled in the face of the Church, Mr. James Bowie, a native of 
Louisiana of North America, legal son of Mir. Ramon Bowie and 
Mrs. Alvina Jones; to Miss Ursula de Veramendi, a native of this 
said City, legal daughter of Mr. Juan Martin de Veramendi and 
Mrs. Maria Josepha N?varro; their sponsers and witnesses of mar- 
riage were: Mr. Jose Angel Navarro and Mr. Juan Francisco Bueno. 

In witness whereof I affix my signature, Refugio de la Garza. 

Note: "Veiled in the face of the Church" means placing the 
Humeral Veil over the heads or shoulders of the bride and groom 
during the celebration of the marriage. It has a mystical signifi- 
cance emphasizing that the two are now one in spirit as well as in 
body. The Humeral Veil is an oblong- scarf of the same material as 
the vestments worn by the priest officiating at the marriage. It is 
an ancient custom, but not used now. 

34 



Pre-nuptial Contract of Colonel James Bowie and Miss Ursula 
de Verainendi. 



(Translated from the original Spanish Document in the County 
Records of Bexar County, City of San Antonio, State of Texas.) 

(Note: The paper on which this Pre-nuptial Contract of 
Colonel James Bowie and Miss Ursula de Veramendi is written has 
the following heading printed in large type and means, that this 
paper is to be used for official use only and costs $6.00 per sheet. 
The Document is quaintly worded, written entirely by hand and 
yellow with age.) 

SELLO PRIMERO SEIS PESOS. 

FIRST SEAL. SIX DOLLARS. 

Legally authorized by the State of Coahuila and Texas for the 
term of 1828-29. (30-31) In the Absence of the Administrator, 
Pedro Flores, testifies. 

Promissory Note of the Dowery concerning the Nuptials. 

In the City of San Fernando de Bexar on the 22nd day of the 
month of April, 1831, before me, the only Constitutional Mayor of 
said City and the assisting witnesses for want of a Notary Public, 
within the term of the law, Mr. James Bowie, a single man, of legal 
age, being at the time thirty-two years old, a native of the United 
States of North America, and the legitimate son of the legitimate 
marriage of Mr. Rezin Bowie and Elvy Jones, the first now dead, 
and both residents and citizens of the said United States, came 
before me and said: "That finding himself near to contract a mar- 
riage in the eyes of the Church (i. e. The Catholic Church) with 
Miss Maria Ursula de Veramendi, a single woman, native of this 
city, legitimate daughter of Mr. Juan Martin de Veramendi and 
Mrs. Maria Josepha Navarro, both residents and natives of the same 
City (San Fernando de Bexar), and in view of the virtue, honesty 
and other laudable gifts with which his future spouse is adorned, 
he (James Bowie) offers her as an augment of the dowery, or as an 
Aras or pre-nuptial present, on account of the nuptials, according 
as it may be useful in case the concerted marriage should be reali- 
zed, the quantity of $15,000 which are drawn from the most select 
of his estate or property, which he accordingly manifests before 
me, and consists at present of the following articles: 

In the territory of Arcania of the United States of North 
America for the value of 60,000 Arpanis of land valued at the rate 
of 4 reales each one, which is the lowest price. 30,000.00 (presum- 
ably reales or pesos. It is not stated.) 

In notes to be paid at various times, Messrs. Walker and Wil- 
kins, Brothers, residents of Neches of said United States. 45,000.00 
(reales or pesos.) 

35 



In the same notes of various individuals which shall be paid 
to the Justice of the Peace of the same place 20,000.00 (reales or 
pesos.) 

For quantities that the government of the said United Sta'^es 
has given me according to documents already granted, 32,800.00 
(reales or pesos). 

In the possession of Mr. Angus McNeil to whom has been en- 
trusted the buying of one machine and all the utensils necessary 
to a manufacturing plant of cotton goods and wool in the State of 
Boston, 20,000.00 (reales or pesos.) 

Moreover various pieces of valuable furniture of his own use 
and for his house, some farm.s, and other contracts started to buy 
other farms in this country which at present cannot be estimated 
now. 

With the determination to fix the date himself for the fulfil- 
ment of the Nuptial Contract — the delivery of the Dowery — within 
the terms of two years after the marriage has been consummated, 
the goods that form this dowery are not now here in this country, 
because he (James Bowie) has only recently emigrated to this 
country under the protection and safeguard of the Federation and 
the particular laws of the State which he chooses as his adopted 
country, he obliges himself to give in effective coin to his future 
spouse, or to whom he represents, in case the marriage should not 
be realized, or the contract be dissolved on account of some legal 
reason, for any of the motives prescribed by law, the aforesaid sum 
of $15,000 or in goods that represent that amount of money, as 
well as the expenses incidental that may be incurred, the liquida- 
tion (judgment of costs), he consents in his oath and absolves her 
from any other proof, wherefore he renounces the one before the 
last (law) Book 11, Chapter 4, in the annual term, and that he 
may comply with the hereto aforesaid with more punctuality and 
exactness, he obliges himself, likewise, not only not to squander, 
nor mortgage, nor place any obligation upon the property, nor to 
subject it to his debts, crimes or excesses, the import of said Dow- 
ery, but rather to deliver promptly so that in all events she may 
enjoy the privileges of the Dowery. 

For the fulfilment of all the aforeaid, and in order to do this, 
he obliges all his goods, chattels, real estate, pledges, rights and 
actions, present and future, and he gives ample power to the hon- 
orable judges of this Republic or of any other nation where he may 
find himself, that they may compel him, as though by sentence 
given by the' authority as a matter already judged and consented to 
and agreed upon, and as such he accepts this Contract renouncing 
all the laws, privileges as a lawful citizen of this City in her favor, 
and thus he gave in and signed with full faith, the witnesses being: 
Mr. Jose Manuel de la Garza and Mr. Jose Maria Balmaceda and Mr. 



Jose Maria de Cardenas, residents of this City today of said date 
month and year. ' ' 

Furthermore, in addition to the aforesaid, he (James Bowie) 
has manifested likewise to be the owner of 15,000 Arpanis of 
land on the banks of the Colorado River and in Wachita of the 
State of Louisiana, all of which being the least value, they are 
estimated at the rate of 5 pesos each (Arpanis) and all valued at 
75,000 pesos. 

JOSE MARIA SALINAS, Acting Mayer. 
(Rubric). 
JAMES BOWIE. 
(Rubric), 
^^itnesses i 

JOSE FRANCISCO FLORES, 

(Rubric) 
IGNACIO DE ARROCHA, 
(Rubric) 



THE LAST INTERVIEW 



In tlje San Antonio Express of Mrs. Alman Marion Dickinson-Han- 
nig, the Only Surviving Texan of the Fall of the Alamo, Made 
During Her L.ast Visit to the Alamo on April 27, 1881. 



"After a last kiss and embrace my husband turned away. It 
was an eternal adieu. The bugles were sounding the charge of 
battle. The cannon's roar was reverberating throughout the Val- 
ley of the San Antonio. There were about 160 sound persons in the 
Alamo when the enemy appeared in overwhelming numbers upon 
the environs of the city to the west. The others were sick or 
wounded, among them being Colonel James Bowie who was in the 
last stages of consumption. 

Colonel Travis called his well men and drew a line with his 
sword and said: "My soldiers, I am going to meet the fate that 
becomes me. Those who will stand by me let them remain, but 
those who desire to go, let them go — and who crosses the line 
that I have drawn — shall go." I came to the door of the room I 
had (the baptistry) and watched them. It was a most impressive 
scene. 

The Mexican horde came on like a whirlwind. Organized into 
divisions they came in the form of a semi-circle that extended from 
the northeast to the southwest. The strongest atack was from 
about where the Military Plaza is, and from a division that marched 
up from the direction of Villita. Three times they were repulsed 

37 



and the two cannon planted high on the ramparts carried dismay 
with their belches of fire and lead. The; ill-fated end came and with 
it the horrors of which even Crockett's vivid conception could not 
have dreamed. 

The blood of noble men was seeping into the ground and the 
bodies of he,roes were lying cold in death. The last man to fall was 
Walker. He had often fired the cannon at the enemy. Wounded, he 
rushed into the room where I crouched on my cot with my baby 
clasped in my arms and took refuge in a corner opposite me. The 
Alamo had fallen and the hordes of Santa Anna ware pouring over 
its ramparts, through its trenches, through its vaults. The barbarous 
horde followed the ill-fated Walker and shot him first, then stuck 
their bayonets in his body and lifted him up like a farmer doss a 
bundle of fodder on his pitchfork. An officer rushed to stop them; 
then they dropped the body. They were all bloody, and crimson 
springs coursed in the yard. Some say they did this to Bowie's body, 
but it was the dead body of Walker they raised on their bayonets. 
He was the last to be. killed and they were drunk with blood. 

I never saw my husband again after he went from me with his 
gun in his hand to die for his country. I feared for my fate but was 
save,d by an English Colonel in the Mexican Army. Through the 
intervention of Alamonte I was permitted to leave the Alamo on 
horseback. Almonte said, "We are fighting men, not women." 

I left the Alamo on horseback carrying my baby in my arms. 
I went first to the Muzquiz House where I had lived before the 
Alamo Siege Then from there I rode alone with my baby towards 
Gonzales. Out on the Salado (Creek) I met Colonel Travis' negro 
servant and he went with me. I was glad to see him. Several miles 
further out on the prairie we saw horsemen rapidly approaching. 
We thought they were Indians and made the best preparation we 
could to defend ourselves. When they came nearer we saw they 
were white men. They proved to be "Deaf" Smith, Robert E. Handy 
and Captain Karnes, who had been sent by General Sam Houston to 
ascertain the condition of the garrison in the Alamo. I told of its 
fall and the terrible end. They went with me and the negro to 
Gonzales." 

Of several friendly Mexicans reported to have been in the 
Alamo and who survived the Fall, Mrs. Dickinson-Hannig said, "I 
don't know, there may have been." 

Note: So Mrs, Alman Dickinson-Hannig was really the first 
to carry the message of the Fall of the Alamo to General Sam 
Houston. There is also a tradition that Aurelino Borgara, a pro>- 
Texas Mexican of San Antonio, was present at the Fall of the Alamo 
and slipped away by way of Wilson county and brought the first 
news of the Fall of the Alamo to General Sam Houston. There is 
no historical confirmation of this. Mrs. Al. Marion Dickinson was 
married twice, her second name being "Hannig." 



COPY OF 

Affadavit of Mrs. Susan Sterling, Granddaughter of Mrs. A. Marion 

Dickinson-Hannig, Made From the Copy of I. D. Afflect, a 

Hisi;x)rian of Texas. 



San Antonio, Oct. 29, 1909. 
To Whom it may Concern: 

I, Mrs. Susan A. Sterling, nee Griffith, do hereby confirm that 
my grandmother's name was Susanna A, Wilkinson, and was the 
wife of Lieutenant Alman Dickinson, who was killed at the Battle 
of the Alamo, March 6, 1836, and my mother's name was Angeline 
Griffith, nee Angeline Dickinson, who was the child inside the 
Alamo on that memorable date and that I have heard my grand- 
mother, the above mentioned, confirm often that she was in the 
right hand side upon entering room known as the baptismal room, 
on the date of March 6, 1836 in the Alamo, known as the Alamo 
Church where my grandmother told me the last hand to hand fight 
took place, and was in the same room with James Bowie and his 
nurse who was wounded at that time. 

MRS. SUSAN A. STERLING, 
The Granddaughter of Mrs. Dickinson of the Alamo. 
Witnesses: 

CHARLES WELERT, 
G. S. RAYMOND, 
MRS. T. J. PARTRIDGE, 
MRS. SARAH E. EAGER. 

My mother at the time of the Siege of the Alamo was 15 
months old and was born in Gonzales, Texas, 25th of December, 
1834. 




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